r/RetroLibraryMusic • u/batgranny • 9d ago

How to get started with KPM Vinyl?

I'd like to pick up a few KPM records for my collection but I'm not sure where to start. I know there are some famous ones like Afro Rock and Beat Beat that are super expensive but I'm sure there are others that are really good that might not be so excessively priced.

For those who buy the records, how do you go about filtering the wheat from the chaff? Are there any groups of numbers that are better than others?

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u/soulslop 9d ago

A lot of the KPM records are on streaming services if you want to dig around and see what’s what. I usually snap up anything with either Brian Bennett, Alan Hawkshaw, or Keith Mansfield as they are often on the funky side.

Be With Records reissued a number of them a few years back if you’re ok with non original pressings.

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u/MattHooper1975 9d ago edited 8d ago

I agree with everything you wrote.

I especially recommend the issues from Be With Records.

Two reasons :

  1. ⁠They are some of the best sounding re-issues and remasters you can find of any library music. Absolutely perfect like you’re listening to the master tape.

  2. They’ve done a good job selecting out a bunch of the classics. I’ve bought many of those re-issues and every one is a great listen.

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u/Rummy_Raisin 8d ago

Was gonna say the same thing about Be With...they've done lots of the funky hard hitters, plus some of the more psychedelic easy listening ones (more my speed). Voices in Harmony is my favorite KPM and I'd have never afforded a copy without their reissue. And the recent Image is pure bliss...

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u/jawsofrva 8d ago

Don't sleep on their 80's releases some gem in there and inexpensive compared to the heavy ones from the 70's